June 14, 2015
Delayed settlements spark housing angst
Housing Minister Nick Smith’s rush to be seen doing something about Auckland’s housing crisis has put pressure on the Government to finish settlements with all Tamaki Makaurau iwi.
Minister Smith and Treaty Negotiations Minister Christopher Finlayson yesterday met with the 13 iwi to discuss whether the plan to sell off surplus crown properties to use for housing development would trigger right of first refusal clauses in the Tamaki Collective Settlement or individual settlements.
Iwi who have not settled are concerned they won’t be able to participate in any developments if they lack both rights to the land and settlement cash.
The crown has signed deeds of settlement with Ngati Whatua Orakei, Ngati Whatua o Kaipara, Te Kawerau a Maki and is close to signing with Te Akitai.
But after an initial burst of energy the Office of Treaty Settlements has failed to put resources into getting the other iwi over the line, and Mr Finlayson’s new role overseeing the country’s spy agencies is seen as taking his attention away.
Mr Finlayson stayed on after yesterday’s hui to talk with claimant groups about getting their settlements back on track.
He says it can be done quickly.
"I would like to see deeds of settlement within the next six to nine months and then I would like to see the legislation through the house by the end of 2016," he says.
Mr Finlayson says the housing plans will create lots of opportunities and he wants to see iwi able to take advantage of some of them.
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